SoftBank has announced a second round for its «SoftBank Innovation Program», that seeks innovative solutions and technologies to be considered for commercialisation. The new round seeks solutions in six categories.

Softbank claims that the purpose of the «SoftBank Innovation Program» is to create new value by combining the innovative solutions and technologies of other companies with SoftBank’s own resources.

SoftBank selects applications that it deems to be innovative and superior, and then provides funding for prototype development, environments for test marketing and other forms of assistance. Based on the test marketing results, SoftBank considers product or service commercialisation.

Among Japan's Richest

Softbank's entrepreneurial driven chairman Masayoshi Son according to Forbes is worth some $17 billion and is Japan’s second-richest man. Among his vast portfolio of investments is US carrier Sprint, Chinese e-commerce group Alibaba and internet search engine Yahoo Japan.

The second round of the SoftBank Innovation Program is open to six categories including fintech and applications will be accepted at the SoftBank Innovation Program official website. An explanation session will be held in Tokyo on August 19 for applicants or those planning to apply.

SoftBank Corp is a subsidiary of SoftBank Group and provides mobile communication, fixed-line communication and Internet connection services to customers in Japan.